Tag: gratitude

We know we ought to embody Jesus’ teachings to abstain from worrying about tomorrow. Disciples are not to be anxious about life. In fact, in his parable about the Sower, Jesus described the cares of this life as one of those distracting forces that can stifle God’s word within our lives.

Yet, achieving a worry free lifestyle may not be as easy as understanding the goal. How often does expending energy focused upon “I’m not going to worry” only seem to heighten the problem? Fortunately, scripture and research converge suggesting some strategies forward. Here’s one of them. Continue reading “Squelching worry”

Today I am digging a white Datura for an elderly lady in our church who admired it from one of my photos. She mentioned that she would love to grow these fragrant plants again. Her yard help accidentally mowed hers down several years ago. She did offer me an iris that she said she didn’t think I had, but I laughed and said, “I have ALL the irises!”

It will be so nice to put a smile on the beautiful face of this sweet lady, and for her to have something that brings back good memories for her. Continue reading “Pay it backward”

I’m thankful today for the medium of the internet that makes it possible to communicate easily and quickly with you and so many others, seeking as we do to edify and build each other up in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m thankful today for my time yesterday morning with the congregation in the Pimentas neighborhood, in the city of Guarulhos, about an hour from here, as I shared with them the “7 powers of the servant of God.” They’re looking to choose some men next month to serve in some important functions, a sign of good growth for this 10-year-old congregation.

I’m thankful today for the two and a half hours I spent yesterday afternoon, in the Pimentas church building, with a dozen men from several congregations in greater São Paulo area, answering their questions about spiritual service. They are earnest men, dedicated to the work of the Lord, aware of their needs, desirous of doing a better job. Continue reading “I’m thankful today”

Question: Is ingratitude a serious matter? Do you think people are thankful enough generally? Or do many people toil away with little or no expression of gratitude to encourage them?

Do you think ingratitude is a serious error? Is it a sin? Is it a serious sin? (I know we don’t usually list those who are ungrateful with ax murderers). Mind you, Paul did, sort of: Continue reading “Being thankful”

Entitlement is something we feel we deserve because of who we are. Similar to gossip or lying, it’s something others have. We’re never guilty. Yet, it’s more entrenched than most in America realize.

Comfort is addictive. We’ve had it for years. Food, shelter, security and spending money are ubiquitous. We’ve no reason to expect anything else. Gifts are under the tree, a feast is on the table, decorations sparkle around us. Same as it ever was. Continue reading “Are we grateful or entitled?”

How many different iris varieties do I grow? How many roses are in my garden? Are my daffodil blooms in the thousands by now? I don’t know.

Yet we are told to “count our blessings.” Yes, it’s highly beneficial to dwell on the good things God has given us, while we plod along in a sometimes weary world of work and worry. Continue reading “Count your blessings?”

Many commercials promote ways to reduce one’s debts. Apparently many Americans need such help. Our society struggles with consumer credit, believing that one can have it all without having to pay for it all. Continue reading Payment Due

A few months before our oldest graduated from high school, we went through our address book, and as tradition, sent announcements to friends and family, near and far. After the cards filled with gifts and well wishes started to arrive, we bought thank you notes and encouraged him to promptly mail them. Continue reading Gratitude

by Mike Vestal – Psalm 119:57-64 is an excellent explanation of Philippians 4:11-12 and what it means to be “content in whatever state” we find ourselves. What are the keys to contentment seen in this passage? Continue reading Six Keys to Contentment

The sky this morning is clear and a vibrant blue. The sunshine is bright and temperatures are pleasant. I give thanks to God for these conditions. Would I do the same if it were rainy, cold and overcast? Continue reading "In Everything Give Thanks"